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Literary notes about Amble (AI summary)

The term “amble” is frequently employed to evoke a sense of relaxed, unhurried movement in literary works, whether describing the gentle gait of animals or the casual pace of human characters. It often connotes a peaceful, almost meditative progression, as when a character wanders along a trail with no particular urgency [1] or when a horse is taught to move naturally at ease [2, 3]. In narrative dialogue, the word can also add a touch of irony or whimsy, suggesting that even a leisurely pace has its own kind of urgency or purpose [4, 5]. Moreover, authors use “amble” to draw attention to a rhythm in movement—sometimes as a counterpoint to more rapid actions, as seen when a character’s gradual pace contrasts with the sudden burst of energy that follows [6, 7]. This versatility in usage helps to build atmosphere, whether the focus is on nature’s serene continuity, the measured steps of human reflection, or the interplay between calm and momentum.
  1. You amble along on your trail pretty pronto, and no harm'll come to you.
    — from Bull Hunter by Max Brand
  2. It is scarcely worth while in the East to try to teach a horse to amble or rack if he does not naturally do so, though it can often be done.
    — from Patroclus and Penelope: A Chat in the Saddle by Theodore Ayrault Dodge
  3. The usual pace of the Giraffe is an amble, that is to say, they move both their legs on one side at the same time.
    — from A Natural History for Young People: Our Animal Friends in Their Native Homesincluding mammals, birds and fishes by Phebe Westcott Humphreys
  4. “And don’t mince and amble, that is worse!” added Lucy.
    — from The Pigeon Pie by Charlotte M. (Charlotte Mary) Yonge
  5. “I thought I would just amble over here and see your school.
    — from The Burgess Animal Book for Children by Thornton W. (Thornton Waldo) Burgess
  6. He came towards them at an amble, scratching actively behind his coattails.
    — from Ulysses by James Joyce
  7. The horse increased his amble and, suddenly changing foot, broke into a fast trot.
    — from Master and Man by graf Leo Tolstoy

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